Tasmania's Most Popular Lures - An unbiased and truthful analysis

An interesting discussion took place in my shop a couple of weeks ago between a group of anglers trying to determine what are Tasmania's most used and most popular trout lures.
This had obviously been spurred on by something they had read somewhere, and a healthy debate now ensued as different opinions were expressed. Listening to these anglers it had me thinking what are the most popular lures used in Tasmania? As we all have our own differing opinions I decided to speak directly to the people that know. I spoke to tackle store owners and staff from around the state to find what their biggest sellers are for trout fishing. After all I thought if we based this argument on actual sales the facts couldn't be argued. I decided when asking the question I would lump all lures of all forms, shapes and sizes into the equation so we could get the bigger picture.
Most of these lures have been around for a while now, but it was interesting to note how soft plastics are now playing a major role in our fishing practices. These are some of the results.

 
Tassie Tackle and outdoor
Ashley spinners, Rapalas, Tassie Devils, Berkley 3" Minnows.  

Rodney Howard made comment that Ashleys in color 14D were probably still his number one seller but Bass Minnows in 3" Pumpkinseed were fast becoming a lure of choice for many anglers. And Rapalas in Perch or Brook trout colors.

Tamar Marine
Loftys, Strike Pros, Daiwa Shiners, Berkley Bass Minnows, Celtas.

John Dennis made mention that anglers are starting to buy more premium lures and want better trebles etc, but soft plastics are fast taking over.

Spot On The Fishing Connection
Rapalas, Berkley Bass Minnows, Tassie Devils, Squidgies, Halco RMGs.

Steve said that he found lures were almost changing year to year with what was popular. This was because as anglers tried new things and found new lures that worked the word would get out pretty quick.

Doogun Tackle.
Lofty's, Ashley's, Berkley Bass Minnow's, Squidgies, Tassie Devils.

Alan Said that Celta's were also still a top seller but soft plastics were becoming more and more popular at his store.

Eastern Shore
Tassie Devils, Wonder Wobblers, Rapala, Celta's, Pegron Minnows.

After speaking to Mark I thought it was interesting to note that this was the only store that listed two metal wobbler style lures.

Bigfin Sportsfishing
Ashley's, Rapala's, Strike Pro's, Berkley Bass Minnows, Tassie Devils.

I noted that Squidgies were still in the mix but suspending hard bodies such as the Strike Pros that sell for approx. $12 in stores statewide are becoming more and more popular as anglers start understanding the advantage of using a suspending lure, especially now they come standard with Owner hooks and rings.

Got One
Ashley's, Celta's, Cobra style, Squidgies, Wonder Wobbler.

Ron McBain found that the old favorites were definitely his top selling lures and that hard bodies were more popular than plastics.

So what do we have?
Well it goes without saying that the Ashley 14D is still by far the most popular lure in Tasmania but there is changing of the old guard with soft plastics getting more and more sales as each season passes.

1. Ashley 14D Green/Gold with red dots
2. Berkley Bass Minnow 3" Pumpkinseed
3. Rapala F7 Perch or new Brook trout color
4. Tassie Devils in no particular color
5. Squidgies in Gary Glitter color